Make a Willow Crab Pot with Sue Morgan

Make a Willow Crab Pot with Sue Morgan

Come and learn about this traditional rural craft with one of our Staying Alive exhibitors. 

You will be making a miniature crab pot in the South Devon style, as used from Hallsands/Beesands along the coast to Salcombe and Hope Cove. The techniques of weaving the full size pot are replicated exactly using smaller gauge willow.

The basic technique is a paired weave, starting with the funnel attached to a former or mule, then progressing to the round inkwell shape using fitched pairing in a spiral weave. 

The flat base is again pairing but with large bundles of weavers. Finally the ends are finished off with plaits woven through the base.

Please bring a pair of garden secateurs for the day.  

All other equipment and materials will be provided. 

Participants must be aged 18 years or older to attend this course.

This workshop is open to complete beginners and also for people with experience of willow weaving etc. 

For more information on the heritage craft of withy / crab pot making: 

This centuries-old British tradition might soon be lost | National Geographic

Willow crab pots to play role in Cornwall fishing's future - BBC News

On the day: 

Please bring a pair of garden secateurs for the day. 

All other materials will be provided. 

Please do wear comfortable / old clothes. Aprons will be provided, if needed. 

Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. There will be a short lunch break during the workshop and participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop.

Workshop participants get 10% off in Rodney’s Café, our exhibitions, and our shop on the day of the workshop! Just show your booking confirmation email or your ticket at the till to receive your discount.

On arrival, please head through the shop to our new education space at the rear of the building.

Please let us know if you require the lift or any reasonable adjustments to be made for accessibility in advance of the workshop date.

Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces.

Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.

View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, here.